Fires Destroy Homes, Buildings Across State

CHOCTAW, OK -- Wildfires destroyed more than 100 homes across Oklahoma on Thursday.

Winds whipped up at least six massive fires, many of which were still burning Thursday night, destroying homes, closing highways and forcing evacuations in several communities.

In Choctaw, just east of Oklahoma City, at least 50 homes have already burned and a fire is lapping at the door of Choctaw High School.

Firefighters have not been able to save many structures because the fire is moving too quickly.

In Midwest City, the fire marshal says at least 100 homes have been severely burned if not destroyed. Many of those homes have been in subdivisions.

According to EMSA, several Midwest City residents have been treated for minor injuries, many of them sustained after watching their homes burn to the ground.

Some roads are now opening to let residents back in.

There are more fires burning in Lindsay in south-central Oklahoma. State Highway 76 has been shut down, and at least 12 homes have burned.

Several towns in that part of the state have been evacuated, including Tatums, Hennepin, Loco and Velma.

Twelve injuries have been reported statewide, including one person in critical condition and a firefighter who was injured when flames overran his truck near Wellston. The firefighter was stabilized at a local burn center.